10 amazing things you can do with Google Pay

May 9, 2019

By Kim Komando

You’ll probably spend some money no matter where you go or what you do. So why make that process any more difficult than it has to be by carrying around an overstuffed wallet of cards and payment methods?

If you’re a user of Google Pay or are just thinking about trying it, there may be some things yet to learn about it. Much like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, Google’s contactless payment system allows you to pay for something with your phone almost anywhere contactless payment methods are accepted.

So what can you do with Google Pay? In this guide, we’ll highlight things you can do with the app right from your smartphone so you can join the mobile payment revolution.

What is Google Pay?

Google Pay is an option for quick, easy mobile payments in millions of places, from online to stores, restaurants and more. It brings your payment options together in one place, so you don’t have to fumble through a bunch of cards at checkout.

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Where can you use Google Pay?

Google Pay is accepted in more places than you might think. If you’ve ever used cashless and swipe-less credit cards, all it takes is a tap with a credit card machine using these symbols.  

Use your Google Pay in places such as McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Whole Foods, The Disney Store and many other places.

Get local with Google Pay

Ever wonder whether you’re actually near a place that accepts Google Pay? All you have to do is turn on the Location History option within the app, either on setup or later. By turning this feature on, your Google services will help you get the most out of the app by showcasing where you can use your loyalty cards and payment methods.

Pay with your phone in stores

You don’t have to add money to Google Pay to pay. All you need to do is add a payment method, such as a debit or credit card. So when you use your Google Pay-enabled device, it’s like how you usually use your card. If you need groceries or that latest electronic device, no problem. Just use Google Pay and go.

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Send money with Google Pay

Did you know you can send and receive money with only an email address or phone number? With Google Pay, you can easily send a friend cash for half of the dinner bill or whatever you owe them. Just as easy as it is to send via PayPal, you can send through Google Pay. It’s another way to get paid using the various cards already in your wallet.

Adding extra security layers

Why would you want to use Google Pay in stores instead of your typical credit cards? Google Pay protects your payment information with multiple layers of added security by not sharing your credit card number.

So instead of giving your card number, the app provides merchants with a unique encrypted code. You can also manage your account wherever you want through the web or in the app.

Keep your loyalty cards in one place

If you’re like me, you run into the issue of having anywhere from 5 to 12 different reward cards or having to remember to swap them out at home when they are needed.

Adding these loyalty cards to your app will lighten your wallet of unnecessary weight and ensure that all those cards can be found and carried wherever you go. You can even continue collecting loyalty card points whenever you have your phone.

Pay with Google in apps

If you’re about to purchase a product or service in an app that supports Google Pay, you’ll notice a prompt surface for the service. Google has listed over a dozen apps supporting in-app purchases with Google Pay, including Lyft, OpenTable, Instacart, Etsy, Groupon, Fandango, Jimmy Johns, Starbucks, Doordash and more.

Bank support

Google Pay is supported by major banks in the U.S., such as JP Morgan Chase Bank, Wells Fargo, Citibank and Bank of America. While smaller banks and credit unions now support Google Pay, you may want to check with your local establishment and the Google Pay support page to see if your bank is listed.

There are even ATMs that utilize your NFC-enabled Android device to make withdrawals. Also, banks are going a bit further by simply mixing Google Pay into their apps.

Connect Google Pay with PayPal

PayPal Checkout is a fast, protected method to enjoy the broad environment of Google commodities. Simply add PayPal to Google Pay to check out on your favorite Google products such as Google Play, YouTube, and Google Store.

How do I add PayPal to Google Pay?

• When ready to check out in Google products, click “add payment method.”
• Enter your PayPal information & accept the terms.
• Simply use PayPal to checkout on Google Play, YouTube, and the Google Store.

If you want access to all your cards, loyalty or payment methods in one easy-to-find location, Google Pay is the app you need to have. Aside from that, pulling out your phone is much easier and faster to pay than it is to get a particular card out of your wallet.